Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) in Minnesota & Wisconsin

Resolve Custody and Parenting Time Disputes with Compassion and Clarity

Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) is a confidential, court-recommended process designed to help never-married or divorcing parents in Minnesota & Wisconsin resolve custody and parenting time disputes early in the legal process—without prolonged litigation.

In a SENE session, both parents meet with a team of qualified neutrals (typically one male and one female evaluator) who listen to each party’s concerns and provide neutral, informed feedback on how a judge might view the case. This honest, early assessment often encourages settlement and reduces the emotional and financial costs of going to court.

Social Early Neutral Evaluation is particularly effective in high-conflict custody cases.

It offers a supportive and structured environment where parents can:

• Gain realistic expectations about possible outcomes

• Identify areas of agreement and disagreement

• Work toward practical, child-centered solutions

• Maintain greater control over the outcome

Louisa Hext is a Minnesota Rule 114-qualified neutral with extensive experience in family systems and emotionally complex dynamics. Her approach to SENE is compassionate, non-judgmental, and focused on reducing conflict while prioritizing the best interests of the child.